The Elk River Trail explores the Kansas you never knew
The 15-mile Elk River Trail, near Independence, Kansas.
Forested limestone cliffs and hills rise 200 feet above Elk City Lake, offering a 15-mile backpacking experience.
Trail Elk River Trail
Overview
The Elk River Trail doesn’t seem like something you’d find in south central Kansas. Or, if you believe popular lore, anywhere in Kansas. But we’re richer because it does. This 15-mile trail is in the vicinity of Independence, Kansas, in Montgomery County. It begins at Elk City Lake and winds along clifftops, through ravines and forest and finally traverses the banks of the Elk River. There’s not a dull moment.
The highlands, known as the Chautauqua Hills, rise up to 200 feet above the surrounding area. You can begin at the east trail head (on the lake) or the west trail head (near a bridge over the Elk River). There’s also a trailhead in the middle. Although the Elk River Trail is 15 miles long, you don’t have to hike the whole thing. Just pick a section and do an out-and-back. Through-hikers will be glad to know primitive camping is allowed anywhere along the trail, a privilege afforded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which owns the property. Campers seem to have done an excellent job of practicing “leave no trace,” with almost zero trash visible.
On the trail, you will be roughing it with very few “exit” ramps except a gravel road or two. Even then, you’ll have to walk for miles to get back to civilization. But you won’t want to leave. Cedar forests, rock outcroppings, boulders, a wide river and scenic lake beckon you forward. The Corps estimates the hike – each way – is 11 hours. From our personal experience, several more hours are needed. But why rush?
If you’re short on time, where should you start? Our recommendation is to hop on the east trail head, which immediately ascends into cliffs, boulders, woods and sheer joy.
Bonus
This trail can be combined with nearby Elk City State Park, which also provides challenging and scenic trails.
Length The Elk River Trail is 15 miles, each way. If you choose to explore nearby Elk City State Park, there are several more miles (and shorter trails) available.
Distance The drive to the east trailhead takes a little under three hours. The nearest town with services is Independence, Kansas. Accommodations are available in the area if you don’t want to camp in the woods.
Conditions This is a challenging trail. The surface is rock (much of it loose) and dirt. There are significant elevation gains and some minor rock climbing. It is well marked and maintained, so getting lost should not be an issue.
Kid friendly? Kids will need to be up for a strenuous hike.
How busy? On holidays and during warm weather, this trail gets plenty of traffic. If you want a less-trafficked experience, visit on a weekday or in the offseason.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
Bikes Yes unless indicated otherwise.
Official websites
Address and location The east, middle and west trail heads of the Elk River Trail are shown here. The east entrance is closest to the state park; the west entrance is adjacent to 160 Highway, just sough of Elk City.
EAST TRAILHEAD, ELK RIVER TRAIL
MIDWAY TRAILHEAD, ELK RIVER TRAIL
WEST TRAILHEAD, ELK RIVER TRAIL
